In American football, each team has 11 players on the field at once, each with different positions and responsibilities. The offensive players work together to gain yards and eventually score, while the defense coordinates to prevent them from doing so.
In a skilled team, football players work together to create a cohesive game strategy that exploits the opposing team's weaknesses. Understanding these positions, their roles, and how they work together is essential for both players and fans alike.
The Offensive Positions Explained
The offense works to score points, and each offensive position contributes to the team’s goal in its own way. Offensive players fall into three categories: the offensive line, the backfield, and the receiving core. Let’s break each one down.
Offensive Line (OL)
The offensive line is a group of football players who stand in front of the quarterback, protecting the quarterback on passing plays and creating openings for the running back on running plays. Offensive linemen are typically known for being the biggest players on the field. Their size and weight make it difficult for defenders to get by them. An offensive line consists of five players: the center, two guards, and two tackles. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback, while the guards and tackles block the defensive line. Here’s a little more detail about them:
Center (C): The player positioned in the middle of the offensive line, responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback. Like other football linemen, the center also blocks defensive players so they can’t reach the ball carrier.
Guards (LG and RG): The linemen positioned directly to the left and right of the center. In a pinch, guards often perform a “pull” block by leaving their spot to reinforce another section of the line.
Tackles (LT and RT): The linemen positioned on either end of the offensive line. Because they have to block quick defensive ends, tackles tend to be slightly smaller and more nimble than guards. They also occasionally perform “pull” blocks.
Backfield
The backfield is a group of players who line up behind the offensive line. Backfield positions initiate each play, and their actions determine the flow of the current play. The exact number and formation of the backfield players depend on the individual play. Backfielders are typically smaller than offensive linemen, but still large enough to stand up to heavy hits.
Fullback (FB): A player who usually lines up behind the quarterback but in front of the running back. Fullbacks primarily block for the running back on running plays, but can also run and catch the ball. The position’s simplicity makes it one of the easiest to play. However, it’s fallen out of popularity in recent years, with many teams dropping it in favor of an additional tight end, receiver, or running back.
Quarterback (QB): The player who receives the ball from the center at the start of each play and decides whether to hand it off, pass it, or run with it. Because the quarterback must make constant decisions about where the ball goes, this position is generally considered the most important and difficult on the field. Quarterbacks require excellent tactical sense and snap judgment, as well as the ability to make precise throws under pressure.
Running Back (RB) / Halfback (HB): These two terms can be used interchangeably. Both refer to the player who primarily carries the ball on running plays, but can also run routes and catch passes like a receiver. The running back typically lines up behind or next to the quarterback and works to create scoring opportunities. Running backs need excellent speed and strength to outrun and power through defenders.
Receiving Core
The receiving core is a group of players responsible for catching throws from the quarterback, as well as blocking for the ball carrier on running plays as needed. To get in position and reach high passes, receivers tend to be fast and tall.
Tight End (TE): A versatile player who lines up next to the offensive tackles on the end of the line of scrimmage and can both block defenders and receive passes.
Split End (X): A type of receiver who lines up even with the line of scrimmage, but away from the rest of the positions on the wide side of the field opposite the tight end. They’re a deep threat, responsible for running long routes to catch deep passes.
Flanker (Z): A type of receiver who lines up slightly behind the line of scrimmage, usually on the same side as the tight end. They’re responsible for running shorter routes such as screens and quick passes.
Slot Receiver (Y): A versatile type of receiver who lines up between the split end and the offensive line, usually on the same side as the flanker. They’re responsible for running a variety of routes like slants, screens, and options. Because the position requires more agility than raw speed, slot receivers can be a little shorter than other receivers.
The Defensive Positions Explained
The defense is responsible for stopping the offense from gaining yards and scoring points. Just like the offense, there are 11 different defensive positions/players on the field at a time with unique roles and talents. The defensive positions fall into three groups:
Defensive Line
The defensive line is a group of three to four players who line up directly on the line of scrimmage. They’re responsible for pressuring the quarterback on passing plays and stopping the ball carrier on running plays. While every defender has these goals, the defensive line is primarily responsible for them. Defensive linemen are some of the biggest players on the field, but they usually have more speed than their offensive counterparts so they can catch the quarterback after breaking through the offensive line.
Defensive End (DE): The players on either end of the defensive line. These players are responsible for stopping the running back on outside runs and pressuring the quarterback from the sides. Defensive ends are relatively agile and use their speed and quickness to get past the offensive tackles.
Defensive Tackle (DT): The player in the middle of the defensive line, responsible for stopping the running back on inside running plays and pressuring the quarterback up the middle. Defensive tackles are usually the largest players on the defense. They use their size and brute strength to push through the offensive line.
Nose Tackle (NT): A specific type of defensive tackle who lines up directly in front of the offensive center. Their objective is the same as any defensive tackle.
Linebackers
The linebackers are three to five players who stand behind the defensive line. They’re responsible for both attacking the backfield on running plays and helping with pass coverage. With a mix of speed and extreme strength, linebackers are typically the hardest-hitting players on the field.
Middle Linebacker (MLB/“Mike”): The linebacker who lines up in the middle of the defense and is primarily responsible for stopping the running back and covering the middle of the field. They’re widely considered the "quarterback" of the defense because they call and adjust plays to target the offense’s weaknesses.
Outside Linebacker (OLB): A pair of linebackers responsible for defending the edge in run defense, trying to sack the quarterback, and providing pass coverage against short, wide routes. This pair includes the strongside linebacker (SLB/“Sam”) and the weakside linebacker (WLB/“Will”), who stand on either end of their formation. The SLB lines up on the same side of the tight end, while the WLB lines up opposite the tight end.
Rush Linebacker (RLB): A hybrid linebacker position who can switch between the defensive line and the linebacker level, acting as either a defensive end or outside linebacker as needed. They typically line up on the edge of the defensive line to rush passes, using their speed to get around the offensive line and pressure the quarterback.
Defensive Backs
Defensive backs are typically the fastest defenders. While they can help on running plays and sometimes rush the quarterback, they’re mainly responsible for covering receivers and stopping passes. The defensive backs usually consist of two cornerbacks and two safeties. The cornerbacks are tasked with covering the wide receivers, while the safeties cover the middle of the field.
Cornerback (CB): A player usually positioned on the outer edges of the defense across from the wide receivers. Cornerbacks mainly cover the wide receivers to prevent them from running routes and catching passes. They need excellent speed, agility, ball skills, and snap judgment to anticipate and keep up with receivers. Because the position requires a broad range of physical and mental skills, it’s considered one of the most difficult to play.
Free Safety (FS): The safety who lines up opposite the tight end, further back from the line of scrimmage. The free safety is primarily responsible for pass coverage and usually acts as a final line of defense. The free safety is typically a bit smaller and faster than the strong safety.
Strong Safety (SS): The safety who lines up closer to the line of scrimmage, but still behind the linebackers, and on the same side as the tight end. Strong safeties primarily defend against running plays but also assist with pass coverage. They’re typically a bit bigger and slower than free safeties.
Special Teams Positions
Special teams positions are often filled by offensive or defensive players who are lower in the depth chart, but many players play special teams exclusively. There are four types of special teams: punt, field goal/PAT, kickoff, and return teams.
Field Goal/Point After Touchdown (PAT) Team
The field goal team enters the field when the offensive team tries to kick a field goal or a point after touchdown (PAT). It typically includes:
Kicker (K): A player responsible for place kicking, which includes field goals, PATs (point after touchdown), or kickoffs. Some teams use a different kicker for field goals/PATs and kickoffs. The kicker must have great accuracy and leg strength to make kicks from varying distances and angles. This position is shared with the kickoff team.
Long Snapper (LS): A player responsible for making the long snaps that field goals and PATs require. This position is shared with the punt team.
Placeholder/Holder (PH/H): A player who receives the long snapper’s snaps, then holds the ball upright for the kicker on field goals and PATs. The holder must be able to reliably catch the ball and hold it steady under pressure. This position is sometimes played by backup quarterbacks and punters.
Kickoff/Kick Return Team
The kickoff team starts each half and transfers possession after any score. In addition to five blockers, it has one unique position.
Kicker (K): A position shared with the field goal/PAT team, responsible for kicking the ball downfield. Some teams use a different kicker for the kickoff team than they use for the field goal/PAT team.
Kick Returner (KR): This player is responsible for receiving the opposing team’s kickoff and running it back as far as possible to give their team a good field position. This position requires extreme speed and agility to evade tackles. As a result, it usually falls to fast players like receivers, running backs, and cornerbacks.
Punt Team
The punt team comes on the field when a team elects to transfer possession after a failed offensive drive. Their goal is to get the ball as far downfield as possible to put the other team’s offense at a disadvantage with field position. Its most common positions are:
Gunner (G): A player on the punt team who lines up far from the line of scrimmage and tries to tackle the punt returner as soon as they catch the punt to prevent a return. This position requires very high speed and decent hitting power. It’s often played by a very fast wide receiver or defensive back.
Long Snapper (LS): The player responsible for making the particularly long snaps on field goals, PATs, and punts. This player must be able to make consistent, accurate snaps to the placeholder or punter under pressure. This position is shared with the field goal/PAT team.
Personal Protector (PP): A player on the punt team who stands in front of the punter to block rushing defenders. Running backs, linebackers, or fullbacks typically play this position.
Punter (P): The player who is responsible for punting the ball downfield to force the opposing team’s offense as far backward as possible. The punter must have good leg strength and be able to kick the ball high and far, as well as enough accuracy to pin the opposing team deep in their own territory.
Punt Return Team
The return team enters the field to receive a punt or kickoff. If possible, they also try to disrupt the kick.
Jammer (J): The jammer plays opposite the punt team’s gunner. They guard their punt returner against attacks from the gunner.
Punt Returner (PR): Much like the kick returner, this player catches the opposing team’s punt and runs it as far as possible to give their offense a good field position. The punt returner must be able to catch the ball and have the speed and agility to evade tacklers.
